Each year, the Ontario RV Dealers Association (ORVDA) honours one dealer who has made a significant long-term contribution to the RV industry, the community, and the RV experience at large.
The ORVDA RV Dealer of the Year Award recognizes more than business success. It celebrates individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, earned the respect of their peers, strengthened their communities, and made a lasting contribution to Ontario’s RV industry.
This year, four nominees were put forward by ORVDA members for this honour. Each of the nominees has made a meaningful impact on our industry. Congratulations to Kymberlely Clark, Globetrotter RV; Edward Raymond, Leisure Trailer Sales; John Petrie, Niagara Trailers; and Ben Hettrick, Smith’s RV Centre.
In her presentation of this year’s award, ORVDA’s Natalie Conway cited the following elements of the winning dealer’s nomination documentation: “This year’s recipient reminds us that great leadership isn’t always the loudest voice in the room. Sometimes it’s the person who quietly shows up year after year… the person who leads with integrity, earns trust through action, and never loses sight of the people who made their success possible.”
“Over the course of an extraordinary career, this individual has built a reputation for excellence—not only through the business he leads, but through the relationships he has built with customers, employees, industry partners and his community.”
“His commitment to our Association has spanned many years. He has generously given his time as a member of the ORVDA Board of Directors, served as Treasurer, contributed to our Show Committee, and continues to support our Association today as a member of the Membership Committee. Throughout it all, he has been a thoughtful leader, a trusted colleague, and a strong advocate for Ontario’s RV dealer network.”
His leadership extends well beyond our industry.
“Whether supporting the St. Davids Lions Club, helping raise significant funds for Red Roof Retreat, volunteering with Project SHARE, or quietly supporting countless charitable organizations and youth initiatives throughout the Niagara region, he has consistently demonstrated that successful businesses have a responsibility to strengthen the communities they serve.”
“Professionally, his accomplishments speak for themselves.”
“Under his leadership, his dealership has become one of the most respected in Canada—earning recognition as Canada’s number one KZ dealer for the past ten consecutive years and achieving the distinction of being North America’s number one KZ dealer three times over the past decade. More importantly, those achievements have been built on a foundation of outstanding customer service, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to doing business the right way.”
“But perhaps what makes this individual most deserving of this award cannot be measured by awards, sales, or industry recognition.”
“It can be measured by legacy.”
More than fifty years ago, Doug and Anna Petrie built a business founded on hard work, honesty and family values. When John assumed leadership, he didn’t simply preserve that legacy — he strengthened it. Today, Niagara Trailers continues to set the standard for customer service, innovation and community commitment while remaining true to the values on which it was founded. As the business celebrates its 55th anniversary next year, it stands as a remarkable example of what can be achieved through dedication, perseverance and genuine care for others.
John has never sought recognition.
He has simply gone about his work with humility, integrity and a genuine commitment to serving both his customers and our industry. The respect he has earned from his peers over so many years is a testament to the kind of leader—and person he is.
In his acceptance speech, John cited the team effort that has been the foundation for the success of Niagara Trailers…
“Thank you very much everybody – it is quite an honour to receive this award on behalf of our team at Niagara Trailers – they are the ones who really deserve this award – they are the ones who stand behind our customers and our products and look after the people on a day-to-day basis.”
“I would also like to thank Natalie and the ORVDA team – they do a great job organizing events and our ORVDA RV Shows – it has been great working with them on the various ORVDA committees. As far as my commitment to Niagara Trailers – I was very lucky to be born into a family business – I love what I do every day and I feel very fortunate to receive this recognition from my peers throughout Ontario – I really do appreciate the award very much and I thank our team at Niagara Trailers for their dedication to the dealership, our customers, and RV lifestyle.”
Watch the Niagara Trailers welcome video:
As ORVDA RV Dealer of the Year, John Petrie joins the nominees for the RVDA of Canada’s Canadian RV Dealer of the Year Award. Nominations for this years Canadian RV Dealer of the Year Award are open until August 31, 2026 – for more information, and to nominate a Canadian RV dealer for this very prestigious honour, please visit:
